Lately the weather here in the Alps has been untouchable. Warm, sunny, and just right. This week I went for two 7 hour bike rides with some shorter rides mixed in. Yesterday, my friend Davide and I went for a ride over the Col du Galibier and the Col de Sarenne. The Galibier happens to be one of the longest climbs in Europe and the Sarenne is quite steep the entire way. People always speak about 'Alpe D'Huez' when the truth is that the col on the other side is probably twice as hard! I was able to keep a good rhythm on the way up, and even pass a nice couple on a Harley with an american flag on the back...quite happy with myself considering I am not racing!
Earlier in the week I tackled the Joux Plane followed by a near five hour ride across the Aravis and Bauges mountains to Chambery, three cols included. The Joux Plane is tough. I could easily understand why one would want a little extra bit of Landis' juice running in the system! A little? Heck, a lot! I rode the whole thing in the 39/24 with sections in the 27. Granted, I am not super fit at the moment, but it's a good climb to remind you to keep biking!
